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Keeping your devices free from viruses, worms, adware, spyware, and other forms of malware should always be a priority task. In the event that your device – be it a desktop computer, tablet, or smartphone – gets infected, there’s a good chance you might lose some important data, or worse, fall victim to a data breach and get hit with massive regulatory fines.
Since cyber crime has consistently been on the rise since the internet was invented, cybersecurity will never become obsolete. Here’s what you need to do to keep your devices healthy and virus-free.
Install and use antivirus software 24/7
Antivirus software is going to be your main defense against all kinds of cyberattacks, including viruses, worms, and ransomware. It will scan everything you download in real time for known malware and will scan every website you visit to make sure there are no phishing schemes or malware present on the site.
Using antivirus software should be the foundation of your cybersecurity plan. If you’re running a business, you should require all employees and contractors to use a top-of-the-line antivirus program at all times, even on mobile devices. For example, even fleet maintenance teams prioritize cybersecurity for the devices they use on the shop floor because they connect to the internet regularly, which means their devices are at risk.
If anyone accidentally downloads a keystroke logger, it could put your business accounts at risk. Likewise, if anyone uploads an infected file to your company server or accounts, it could end up infecting everyone else’s computer, too.
If you’re an individual, it’s still important to use antivirus software because all it takes is one ransomware attack for you to lose all of your data. Be sure to also keep your antivirus software updated because you don’t want to risk not being covered when new threats are identified and programmed into the database. If you don’t update your software, it can’t protect you against newly identified threats.
Use a VPN to encrypt your traffic
Using a VPN is not just about staying anonymous online. Technically, you’ll never be anonymous online when you’re signed into a Google or Facebook account because they track the websites you visit and the terms you type into their search engines. However, a VPN is still a must-have. The main function of a VPN is to encrypt your data.
Encryption is underrated in most circles, but it should be talked about (and implemented) more often. It works kind of like magic for preventing damage from a cyberattack. When you encrypt data, you’re basically making it scrambled so that anyone who intercepts your data transmissions, hijacks your browser session, or steals your data can’t read it. It basically makes your data useless to any would-be hackers, so even if they do manage to get ahold of your confidential information or user account information, you have nothing to worry about. Hackers can’t decrypt encrypted data without the decryption key, and as long as you’re using a reputable tool for encryption, it’s going to be secure.
Don’t feel like you’re untouchable because you have a Mac
Although Apple computers have a reputation for being virus-resistant, they are prone to viruses just like any other device. The reason people think they are impervious is because in the beginning, most viruses were made for Windows computers. Today, it’s different. Several types of malware can infect a Mac just like any other computer.
If you have a Mac, make sure you have a good antivirus software application and take cybersecurity precautions whenever possible to avoid getting infected.
Keep all of your software updated always
Never allow your software to stay out-of-date for any length of time if you can help it. With each new update, small bugs are fixed, but many times security holes are patched and you don’t want to miss those updates. Most software developers will differentiate between a patch and an update, but don’t skip either. Updates are just as important because some issues create vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers specifically looking for outdated versions of the software you’re using.
Create strong passwords
Most importantly, create strong passwords that consist of at least 6 characters, one capital letter, one symbol, and one number. This will make it hard for someone to run a program to crack your password. Never use sequential numbers or words that can be found in the dictionary.
Keep cybersecurity in the forefront of your mind
Last, but not least, don’t get lazy with your cybersecurity protection efforts. It only takes a small lapse in awareness to allow a new threat to slip by your perimeter.
